North Korean Diplomat Indicted on Smuggling and Money Laundering Charges

A North Korean diplomat named Ri Myong Ho has been indicted on 20 charges related to money laundering and other crimes while working at the DPRK Embassy in Thailand. The indictment comes amid ongoing efforts by the international community to crack down on sanctions evasion that supports North Korea's nuclear program.

The U.S. Treasury Department also announced new sanctions on 16 individuals and two entities for enabling Iran's production of unmanned aerial vehicles used in an attack on Israel. The Office of Foreign Assets Control added 26 entries to the Specially Designated Nationals List related to Iran, non-proliferation, and counter-terrorism. The U.K. similarly announced sanctions targeting seven individuals and six entities for enabling Iran's attack on Israel and other destabilizing regional activity.

Why this matters: The indictment of a North Korean diplomat and new sanctions on individuals and entities supporting Iran's destabilizing activities highlight the ongoing challenges in combating illicit finance and sanctions evasion. These actions underscore the importance of international cooperation in enforcing sanctions and disrupting the flow of funds to rogue regimes and terrorist organizations.

The United States and South Korea have also imposed sanctions on six individuals and two entities based in Russia, China, and the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of channeling funds to North Korea's weapons programs. The sanctioned individuals include Yu Pu, Ung Ri Tong Hyok, Han Chol Man, O In Chun, Jong Song Ho, and Jon Yon Gun. The entities sanctioned are Alis LLC, based in Vladivostok, Russia, and UAE-based Pioneer Bencont Star Real Estate, which are subordinate to Chinyong Information Technology Cooperation Co., an entity associated with North Korea's armed forces.

The sanctions target not only those directly involved but also those who aided North Korea's illegal financial activities, particularly in the information technology sector abroad. The announcement comes after the U.S. and South Korea launched a new task force aimed at preventing North Korea from procuring illicit oil, as the U.N. sanctions regime is considered moribund.

In related developments, sanctioned North Korean official Nam Dae Bong has been broadcasting from locations thousands of miles away, possibly in an attempt to conceal illicit activities. The South Korean Coast Guard reportedly seized a ship called the De Yi in waters off the southern coast and took it to a harbor in Busan. Russia has accused the West of killing the UN Panel of Experts by rejecting Russian proposals for sunset clauses. Delegates from several countries are expected to join North Korea's Kim Il Sung birthday celebrations in April.

Key Takeaways

• North Korean diplomat Ri Myong Ho indicted for money laundering and other crimes.
• US, UK impose new sanctions on individuals, entities supporting Iran's drone program.
• US, South Korea sanction 6 individuals, 2 entities aiding North Korea's weapons programs.
• Sanctioned North Korean official Nam Dae Bong broadcasting from distant locations.
• Russia accuses West of undermining UN Panel of Experts on North Korea sanctions.